Submarine Acoustic Target Strength Modeling at High-Frequency Asymptotic Scattering

Abstract

The ability to identify asymptotic scattering is critical for the continuous operation of modern combat systems. In the active sonar equation, acoustic target strength is crucial. The plane-wave propagation target strength equation predicts far-field reradiated intensity. Submarines defend themselves by being invisible. Sonar can be used to detect submarines. Saltwater readily absorbs radio waves. Commercial fishing and scientific ocean exploration both make use of sonar technology. Acoustic wave reflection reduces the area requirements of ocean depth sections, therefore submarine designers take this into consideration. The Target Strength (TS) of a sonar target is used to assess its size. The Pressure Acoustic-Boundary Element Model (PA-BEM) of the High-Frequency Boundary Model (HFB) illuminates and simplifies the TS analysis of the Benchmark Target Echo Strength Simulation (BeTTSi) benchmark submarine. We explore how subsea shape, material qualities, and operation frequency affect acoustic target strength using comprehensive models. The findings underline the need of correctly characterising the structural sections of the submarine and their impact on dispersion. They also help with research into the submarine’s acoustic signature, detectability, and potential detection mitigation measures.

Keywords

• Target strength
• pressure acoustics
• sonar
• boundary element model
• asymptotic scattering